A first-team All-American and a national champion, McKay left a lasting mark as one of the defining players of the Longhorns’ Wishbone era. His journey began in Crane, a small West Texas town, where he starred at Crane High School as an end and earned second-team all-state honors. His high school accomplishments led to his induction into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2012, recognizing his impact at Crane.
Texas head coach Darrell Royal recruited McKay to Austin in 1966. He developed into a towering 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive tackle and became one of the most pivotal figures on the Longhorns’ dominant teams of the era. Teammates and former players recalled his leadership as the kind that fostered teamwork and unity. Ted Koy, a former Texas halfback, highlighted McKay’s ability to lead by collaboration, noting that McKay’s example helped linemen and backs align on their assignments and execute together. Even for a player of his size, he avoided intimidation and earned trust through cooperative leadership. On the field, McKay consistently did his job, and his teammates could rely on him to set a steady course for the unit.
McKay’s college career culminated in two successful campaigns in 1968 and 1969, during which Texas posted a combined record of 20-1-1, captured two Southwest Conference championships, and secured two Cotton Bowl victories. The 1969 season was particularly historic: Texas went 11-0, claimed the national championship, and defeated Notre Dame 21-17 in the Cotton Bowl. McKay earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was selected to the All-Southwest Conference team that year, capping a remarkable college career.
Transitioning to the professional level, McKay was the 21st overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, selected by the Cleveland Browns. He spent six seasons with Cleveland before moving to the New England Patriots for three more seasons, concluding his NFL career after the 1978 season. Across 105 regular-season games, he started 71, contributing as a reliable offensive tackle on teams that reached the playoffs during his tenure. He started in playoff contests in 1971, 1972, and 1976.
McKay’s legacy endures as a symbol of the era when Texas football dominated conference play and emerged as a national powerhouse. His blend of size, technique, and leadership helped define an offense and influence a generation of players who followed. His contributions on both the college gridiron and in the professional ranks are remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans who witnessed his impact firsthand.
